The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-19
CHRISTMAS EMRLEMs.
Origin of Some of the Customs Now in Vogue
Tho Tree a German Gift.

Origin of Some of the Customs Now in Vogue
The Tree q German Gift.
New York Evening Post.
| Antiouaries are divided in their opinions as to
| the origin of the custom of decorating houses
and churches at Chrlstmastide but people are
united as to its disturbances. Among many
traditions extant is one to the effect that the
| first Christian church in Britain was built of
| boughs, the disciples deerning this the most
/ likely way to attract the notice of the people,
| because the temples OF Saturn had always been
built of oak. The great feast of Saturn was
| held in December, and the oaks were then
leaiess. the priests required the people to bring
| in boughs of evergreens, and the Christians.
| the 25,h of December, adopted the same
custom, which survives to this day
the houses were adorned with evergreens, so
| that the sylvan spirits might find there safe
| shelter from tho wind and the storm. When
| St Augustine arrived In Britain he was wise
| enough to give this existing practice a Christian
significance rather than deprive the people of
an observance which was sacred to them and
harmless in itself In this way tho pretty wax
en- berries of the mistletoe, which were wont to
be deemed essential in the gross ceremonies of
pagan priests have become tenderly Significant
of the season when good will towards man is
most universal
The early Christians, in giving an en- blematic
turn TO these customs, found good authority for
SO doing in Isaiah TX, 49, The glory of Leba-
non shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine
tree, and the box together, to beautlfy the place
of my sanctuary"
One Christmas observance still common in
EuroDe-ihs drawing home and burning of the
yule log-is traced to very ancient Scandi-
navian usage when, at the winter solstice, huge
bonfres were kindled in honor of tho god Thor
The bringing in of this great log the most
enthusiastic part of the ceremonies observed
Christmas in feudel times. The Scandl-
navians drew it with much pomp and ceremony
from its restingpace in the woods. holding
that it's flame would burn out old wrongs, and
from its ashes would spring up brighter hopes
and better performances for the future. The
magical significance was carried into later DAYS
and old English Christmas was not considered
for hon hnfn x-f71o lnO oohl
The new log must always be lighted with a
brand preserved from the old one. Among
other superstitions connected with this historic
log is one to the effect that If it throws out
cracking sparks, family dissension is sure to
follow.
Among customs now disused a ceremony ex-
listed at the court of England as late the reign
Of Charles II, OF bringing branch of the
Glastonbury thorn, which usually blossoms OF
Christmas eve, in procession. and presenting it,
with great pomp. to the King and Queen on
Christmas morning.
In connection with the holly, which figures SO
conspicuousiy in all Chistmas decorations,
find quaint old conceit chronIcled, that
every holly -bough and lump of berries with
which you adorn your house is act of natural
piety as well as beauty, and will, in summer.
enable you to relish that green world of which
you show yourself not unworthy. In Germany
and Scandinavia the holly, holy tree, is called
"Christs thorn from its use in church decora-
tons and because bears its berries at Christ
mastide. The loving sentiment imprisoned in
the holly Dough and translatable into every Ian
in Charles Mackay's verses, Under the Holly
Bough"
Ye who have scorned each other,
Or in ured friend or brother,
In this fastfading year;
Ye who by word deed
- Have made kind heart bleed,
Come gather herel
Let sinned against aud SHINING
Forget their strifes beginning,
And join in friendship now;
Be links longer broken,
Be sweet forgiveness spoken,
Under the holly bough
To Germany the civilized world is indebted |
for one of the most enjoyable of all Christmas |
delights, the Christmas This custom |
little known in England before the marriage of |
Queen Nictorla. and was, believe, intro
duced by the late Prince Cousort. We call it |
a gift from Germany, and vet, behind the |
quaint figure of Kris kringle, coming from the |
snowy WOODS with the tree rising high above |
his genial shoulders. laden with gifts and gilt |
tering with lanterns he suddenly invades |
the lowly German cottage kindly errand |
bent, the yet more ancient toy pine tree, |
hung with oscilla. which boys and girls in an
cient Rome looked for the sixth and seventh
days of the Saturnalia. But who are not
content to accept these pretty
GUS toms, come whence they may and to improve
on them if A wide gulf Is fixed between
the Puritanic days, when Christmas was frowued
upon a remnant of evil superstition, and to-
day. when nothing is too good for the
making of our homes bright and our sanctuaries
beautiful in honor of the Author of the Christian
Feast Wherever civilized men are found, there,
in form another. find the tokens Of
alteration and gratitude.